Daily Journey - November 4

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. —Jeremiah xxix. 11.

A people in such a position as the Jews in Babylon were in danger in two ways: either to be buoyed up with false hopes, and so to fall into foolish expectations; or, to fall into despair, and have no hope at all, and so become a sullen and degraded race, who would be unfit for restoration, and unable to play the part which God ordained for them in the history of mankind. The prophet had the double duty of putting down their false hopes, and sustaining their right expectations. He, therefore, plainly warned them against expecting more than God had promised. And he aroused them to look for the fulfillment of what He had promised. Read the tenth verse, and note that pleasant expression, "and perform My good word unto you." At the present time the Church has need of both admonitions. Expectations which are not warranted are being raised in many quarters, and are leading to serious delusions.… This wonder and that marvel are cried up. It would seem that the age of miracles has returned to certain hot heads. Take ye no heed of all this. Go not beyond the record. On the other hand, we need to be urged to believe our Lord implicitly, and to hold onto His word with a strong, hearty, realizing faith; being assured that while God will not do what we propose to Him, yet He will do what He has promised. False prophets will be left in the lurch, but the word of the Lord will stand.